As We See It, June 19, 2014: Shouldn't we see progress before forking over cash?

As a citizen concerned with traffic congestion, air pollution and climate change, I urge you to join me in calling for an independent investigation of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission before approval of the $5.6 billion transportation plan. This is the second call for an investigation into why the SCCRTC failed to achieve even 1 percent of its traffic pollution-reduction goal from 2008-2014. The first call for an investigation into this abysmal performance in 2012 was ignored.

— Paul McGrath, Santa Cruz

Shooting-death tragedy could have been avoided

There is one sure thing that would have prevented the recent tragic shooting death of a local teenage youth. All guns should have trigger locks. Moreover, it is now possible that with the fingerprint identity lock technology currently available, guns can be fired only by their owner. It is relatively low cost to have this technology on most all guns and it does not effect gun functioning by the rightful owner. This technology would help prevent gun thefts (no point in stealing a gun if it can't be used) and accidental shootings.

— Jacob Sidman, Aptos

About that graywater ...

Regarding the water wisdom in Donna Maurillo's column in Wednesday's Eat + Drink section, catching shower warm-up water in buckets is fine, but please do not encourage people to store laundry graywater in buckets, barrels or any other storage device. Graywater cannot legally be stored for more than 24-hours. Laundry graywater is wastewater that may contain blood, fecal matter, lint and other chemicals. The high organic matter content makes graywater turn into blackwater and mosquito breeding habitat if stored. Stored graywater will produce a very bad odor because bacteria will begin to grow on the sides and bottom of the storage device, creating a biofilm that then must be washed off, potentially running off into a stormdrain. Graywater should always be directed immediately to mulch basins in the landscape. I appreciate your efforts to encourage people to reuse graywater, but storing should not be encouraged or promoted. You can learn about safe, functional laundry graywater systems and DIY workshops at centralcoastgreywater.org.

As a member of the jury who sat in judgment on the Johnny Joe Suarez case, I take issue with your article of June 16. The headline characterizes Mr. Suarez as a "shooter," and the story further states that he was sentenced Monday for brandishing and "shooting a gun in a residential neighborhood." While you correctly state that he was convicted for assault the jury did not agree that Mr. Suarez shot the gun. The legal definition of assault that the jury was given does not mean that a gun has to be fired. He was convicted of pointing a gun but not for a questionable shot that was heard sometime later.

— Maria Elena Mattioli-Potterton, Santa Cruz

Boats can have a positive affect on river birds

I understand Jane Mio's concerns about the water fowl. Nesting and rearing of young birds is of the utmost importance along the San Lorenzo River. Boating is very important, too. In order to keep the harm done by illegal activities at the river, more people need to congregate there and enjoy that beautiful place. Harm done by illegal "campers" affects the birdlife, too. I know because I help to clean up the garbage they leave behind. Boating attracts more visitors to our riverwalk, which curbs criminal behaviors. The City Council needs to allow boating but, restrict it during nesting season. That's all. Compromise — for the good of birds and man. Not one over the other.

— Janet Fardette, Santa Cruz

Valedictorian package was valuable feature

I have no kids. I rarely follow any information about schools. But I cherish the yearly valedictorian page. It's my favorite thing the Sentinel does. It's a truly important, optimistic and positive piece that gives a little snapshot of some of our county year-by-year. By getting rid of it, you are ripping out the heart of your paper. It's not too late even if the task will be harder at this point; do it now, and all will be forgiven.